‘Indian cities to create 70% jobs by 2030, but face $5 billion loss…’: World Bank report sounds climate change alarm – India News

Indian cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to floods, heatwaves, and other climate-related risks with more than $2.4 trillion required in investments by 2050. A World Bank analysis shared on Tuesday also highlighted their tremendous potential as centres of economic growth — predicting that 70% of new jobs would come coming from cities by 2030. The Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India report identified Delhi, Chennai, Surat and Lucknow as some of the cities most likely to face urban heat island effects and flood risks.

‘To avert billions of dollars in future losses…’

“Timely action is needed for cities to deal with impacts from extreme weather events and avert billions of dollars in future losses…Annual economic losses from rain-related flooding are currently estimated at 4 billion dollars. These are projected to rise to $5 billion by 2030 and between $14 billion and $30 billion by 2070 if no remedial action is taken,” the report warned.

The report was prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and highlighted the impacts of climate change. India was likely to see its urban population nearly double by 2050 — rising to 951 million — and requiring more than 144 million new homes by 2070. The analysis noted that intense heat waves and urban heat island effects were already causing temperatures in city centers to rise by over 3-4 degrees over surrounding areas. Meanwhile the rapid growth of built-up areas was also reducing cities’ capacity to absorb storm water and making them more vulnerable to floods.

Over $2.4 trillion needed in investments by 2050

The report studied 24 Indian cities with a special focus on Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat and Thiruvananthapuram. The World Bank noted that more than 50% of the urban infrastructure necessary for 2050 was yet to be constructed — presenting a critical window to embed resilience and low-carbon design at scale. The report estimated that over $2.4 trillion in investments would be needed by 2050 to meet the infrastructure and service demands in Indian cities.

“The imperative for India to build resilient cities at scale is clear. By investing in more green and resilient urban development—including housing, transport, and municipal services – cities can better mitigate extreme heat conditions and urban floods, and continue to grow and create jobs,” said World Bank Country Director Auguste Tano Kouamé.

The report also cited ways in which several cities have already taken steps to build resilience. Ahmedabad has developed a Heat Action Plan model which aims to strengthen early warning systems, improve healthcare readiness, increase green cover and shift work schedules for outdoor laborers. Kolkata has adopted a city-level flood forecasting and warning system. Indore has invested in a modern solid waste management system, improving cleanliness and supporting green jobs. Chennai has adopted a climate action plan based on thorough risk assessment and targeting both adaptation and low-carbon growth.

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